THE Main Roads Department has refuted claims by Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson that funding had been committed to upgrade the Gateway Motorway on-ramp from Old Cleveland Road.
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Last week Mr Robinson slammed Capalaba MP Don Brown for starting a "fake petition" calling for improvements to the road.
“I have been calling for this upgrade for some time now but finally it was confirmed last year that the works would proceed," Mr Robinson said.
However a departmental spokesperson said funding would be assessed against state-wide priorities.
"Concept design work for the interchange is now complete which potentially includes an additional lane on the Old Cleveland Road westbound off-ramp and improvements to the intersection of this ramp and the Gateway Motorway south-bound on-ramp," the spokesperson said.
When the Bulletin asked Mr Robinson for a record of information showing that the upgrade had been funded, the Oodgeroo MP said he had received information that the government had committed to do it but would not reveal his source.
"There are only a few ways I could have known the info and I don’t want to narrow it down further," he said.
Mr Robinson said earlier that it was strange that Labor MPs were circulating a petition about the upgrade when they knew that a decision had been made, design work done and funding committed.
Mr Brown said he was petitioning Transport Minister Mark Bailey and the Main Roads Department to prioritise the upgrade after commuters complained about the on-ramp being dangerous for motorists and cyclists.
He said the problem was getting worse and drivers were forming a makeshift third lane on the shoulder of Old Cleveland Road during the morning peak hour.
"This third lane is not legal but commuters are being courteous and considerate to other motorists on Old Cleveland Road by keeping the two lanes free for those commuting further into the city."
Mr Bailey said budget funding would be considered.
